Ugandan citizens have been dealt a major blow after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a 2026 visa ban targeting nine countries, barring their nationals from applying for both tourist and work permits.
According to an immigration circular cited by The Eastleigh Voice, the affected nations include Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, Cameroon, and Libya, alongside Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon, and Bangladesh. Applications from these countries will not be processed until further notice.
The UAE government has not issued a public statement outlining the reasons for the suspension, but reports point to a mix of security concerns, strained diplomatic relations, and health-related protocols that were first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Ugandans, the restrictions are a heavy setback. The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has been one of the most popular destinations for employment opportunities, with thousands relying on remittances to sustain families back home. The new policy has disrupted recruitment pipelines, business travel, and tourism ties.
“This is a serious hit for Ugandan youth who look to the UAE for jobs. Families that depend on their children’s work abroad will be directly affected,” said John Muwanguzi, a Kampala-based labour consultant.
Workers from Bangladesh and African states have also reported challenges renewing contracts, signaling a wider impact across multiple expatriate communities.
Official Reactions
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development confirmed that it has reached out to the UAE embassy in Kampala for clarification. A ministry spokesperson reassured Ugandans already employed in the UAE that their visas and contracts remain valid.
"We are closely following the situation and engaging our UAE counterparts to ensure that existing Ugandan workers are protected. Our priority is to safeguard their rights and livelihoods," the spokesperson said.
Labour export companies in Uganda, which facilitate recruitment for the UAE, described the ban as an unexpected and disruptive measure. Grace Namara, CEO of a Kampala-based recruitment firm, explained:
“We had dozens of Ugandans ready to depart for employment next month. The sudden halt affects both workers and their families who rely on remittances. We are now working with the Ministry to find temporary solutions.”
Distinction from Travel Bans
It is important to note that the visa ban is different from a travel ban. While the former blocks fresh applications based on nationality, the latter applies to individuals who may have overstayed, forged documents, or have pending criminal cases.
If the restrictions are lifted in future, Ugandans and other affected nationals will be able to reapply for both tourist and work visas through official UAE immigration channels, embassies, and online portals.
For now, travelers from unaffected countries must comply with standard UAE entry requirements, including valid passports, approved visas, negative COVID-19 tests, vaccination proof, and adherence to health protocols.
Fact Box: Ugandans in the UAE
- Approx. 100,000 Ugandans are currently working in the UAE.
- Most are employed in domestic work, hospitality, transport, and security services.
- Remittances from Ugandans in the UAE contribute an estimated UGX 1.5 trillion annually to the local economy.
- The UAE has become the second-largest destination for Ugandan migrant workers after Saudi Arabia.
Kelele UG will continue to monitor developments on this story.
